PMBOK 7 introduced a major shift by focusing on principles instead of long process charts. It gave project managers twelve guiding ideas like adaptability, collaboration, and delivering value. The goal was flexibility across predictive, agile, and hybrid projects.
PMBOK 8 builds on that foundation but pushes project managers to show measurable performance. It keeps the principles, but adds clearer expectations for how a PM demonstrates value, manages uncertainty, and uses modern tools. In short, PMBOK 7 tells you what good project management looks like. PMBOK 8 asks you to prove it.
A simple example comes from a Kentucky IT upgrade. Under PMBOK 7, the project manager tailored the approach by mixing predictive planning with agile user testing. Under PMBOK 8, that same PM would also document how tailoring improved results, reduced risk, and delivered value to the community.
PMBOK 7 is principle driven.
PMBOK 8 is performance driven.
The update adds clarity without adding complexity. It helps project managers show real impact, which matters in every Kentucky agency, business, and project team aiming for reliable results.
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